Episode 127: David Fizdale, Reflection and Lessons from Coaching in the NBA

Guest: David Fizdale, Head Coach of the New York Knicks

In this week’s basketball coaching conversation, former NBA head coach David Fizdale joins the Basketball Podcast to discuss reflection in coaching and lessons learned from his years in the NBA. Fizdale was most recently the head coach for the New York Knicks. He previously served as the head coach for the Memphis Grizzlies and was an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks, Golden State Warriors, and Miami Heat.

Between 2003 and 2016, Fizdale was an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, and Miami Heat. On May 29, 2016, Fizdale was named as the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies. He led the Grizzlies to a 43–39 record in the 2016–17 season, reaching the Western Conference playoffs. After a 7–12 start to the 2017–18 season, including eight consecutive losses, and a publicized fourth-quarter benching of Marc Gasol, Fizdale was fired from the team on November 27, 2017. On May 7, 2018, he was named as the head coach of the New York Knicks signing a four-year deal with the organization.

Breakdown

1:00 - Experiences with Reflection

2:30 - His Improvement as a Coach Overtime

4:30 - You Can't Rush Culture, Relationships, etc.

9:00 - Approaching Things with Logic

11:00 - Knowing Miami Culture

12:30 - Winning their People

14:00 - Growth Mindset and Research from Carol Dweck

16:00 - Growth Mindset

20:30 - Defending the 3-Point Line

23:30 - Most Effective Role

26:00 - Echoing Thoughts to the Coaching Staff